willis1984

Hello,recently I went to the local bike shop he suggested a Trek 8.3 D S for me to get back into biking.Looking at Treks website they say all there bikes are rated for 300lbs. I guess I was wondering what your thoughts were on this? I am looking to mainly bike in paved or gravel biking trails nothing too off road. I currently weigh 365LBS.

Tel0004

Suspensions are often a bad choice for on road use. And with bigger guys, they tend to bottom out and not work as well.

The Trek 8.3 is about 670, so is that about what your budget is? If so, look into a 7.3, or a 7.2. I don't think the 7.3 offers enough substantial upgrades to justify the extra money. When you buy a new bike don't forget you will need a lot of accessories. Floor pump, bags, frame pumps, water bottle and cage, etc.

I would buy a standard hybrid without a suspension, or if you want a road bike look around for a touring bike. With a bike, you might have a problem with the rear wheel, if so you can switch out the rear wheel for one with 36 spokes.

And welcome to the forums.

no1mad 

If Trek is the only game in town, take a look at the 8.1 DS. That is the base model of the DS line, but it comes with a rigid fork. Frame and fork also come with disc brake tabs should you decide you'd like to explore that option in the future without having to find an entirely new frame.

downtube42

Ask the dealer about the listed weight, and if he will stand behind the warranty. Give it a good test ride and make sure you're comfortable with the fit and feel of the bike.

Honestly I'm of the opinion that a rigid MTB with rigid fork and 26" 36 spoke wheels is better for you, but there are not many new options out there.

willis1984

Thanks for the input. Haven't had time check the other stores around town but thought I would see what others thought about his recommendation...

willis1984

That is actually what got me questioning him cause he said, "that Trek did not rate there bikes for a certain weight." But it says clearly on treks website 300lbs.

willis1984

I am looking for right around 700 hundred for price range give or take a little bit if I find a good option.

jethro56 

I'm with tel004 on a FX 7.2 being a better choice for road use. Shimano's 8 speed stuff is a really good upgrade over a 7 speed as you get a modern cassette and index shifting. I'd feel better with a 36 hole rim but stock bikes in your price range very rarely offer them. At your weight (I was a lot heavier 4 years ago) the rear wheel is beyond normal loads. Basically there are two schools of thought. 1.) Upgrade the wheel and add $150 to cost of bike. 2.) Run original to failure and then replace. I'm in the second group. If you maintain the correct spoke tension the original should last a couple thousand miles. Learning wheel maintenance is a valuable skill to acquire.

skilsaw

I'm in love with touring bikes. They are built to carry 300 to 350 lbs. Since you mentioned Trek, check out the 520. It is more expensive but I believe well worth it.

It's income tax season. If you are expecting money back, spend it on a bike.